Senior Instrumentation and Control Engineer - Petrochemical Energy

Placements24; Mossel Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 1,100,000 - 1,550,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical aid

Provident fund

Performance incentives

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Instrumentation and Control (I&C) Engineer for Mossel Bay. You will design, implement and maintain advanced I&C systems, SIS, and safety processes, collaborating with process and operations teams. The role blends on-site presence with remote design and analysis to drive reliable plant performance.

You will lead commissioning, mentoring, and documentation efforts, with a focus on safety and industry standards. A strong background in petrochemical/oil & gas is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Electronic Engineering.
• Pr Eng registration with ECSA is desirable.
• 7+ years in instrumentation and control engineering, petrochemical/oil & gas/energy.

Responsibilities

• Design, specify, and implement instrumentation and control systems.
• Develop and manage control strategies, PLC/DCS programming and HMI design.
• Ensure SIS design and integrity per IEC 61508/61511.
• Conduct HAZOP studies and SIL assessments for systems.
• Oversee procurement and installation of instruments and valves.
• Develop commissioning plans and provide tech support.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering

Pr Eng registration desirable

Tools

DCS/PLC (Honeywell, Emerson, Siemens, Rockwell)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant player in the petrochemical and energy industry, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Instrumentation and Control (I&C) Engineer. This role is central to ensuring the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of complex industrial processes at their facility in Mossel Bay, Western Cape, ZA . You will be responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of advanced instrumentation, control systems, and safety instrumented systems (SIS). The position involves a hybrid work model, requiring regular presence on-site for critical operations and collaboration, complemented by remote work flexibility for detailed design, analysis, and reporting. This is a key position offering the chance to work with cutting-edge technology in a challenging and rewarding industrial environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, specify, and implement instrumentation and control systems for petrochemical and energy processes.
• Develop and manage control strategies, including PLC/DCS programming and HMI design.
• Ensure the design and integrity of Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) in compliance with IEC 61508/61511 standards.
• Conduct HAZOP studies and SIL assessments for new and modified control systems.
• Oversee the selection, procurement, and installation of instruments, control valves, and associated hardware.
• Develop and execute commissioning plans for I&C systems.
• Provide technical support and troubleshooting for existing instrumentation and control systems.
• Collaborate with process engineers, mechanical engineers, and operations teams to optimize plant performance.
• Develop and maintain P&IDs, loop diagrams, wiring schedules, and technical documentation.
• Mentor junior I&C engineers and technicians, fostering technical growth and adherence to best practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Professional Engineer (Pr Eng) registration with ECSA is highly desirable.
• Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in instrumentation and control engineering, preferably within the petrochemical, oil & gas, or energy sectors.
• Proven experience with Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) from major vendors (e.g., Honeywell, Emerson, Siemens, Rockwell).
• Strong understanding of Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) and functional safety standards (IEC 61508/61511).
• Proficiency in control system simulation and testing.
• Experience with field instrumentation, calibration techniques, and diagnostic tools.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Familiarity with industry standards and best practices in process automation.
• Ability to work effectively in both on-site and remote settings.

Benefits

Our client offers an attractive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including private medical aid, a substantial provident fund, performance incentives, and continuous professional development opportunities. You will be part of a leading organization in the energy and petrochemical industry, contributing to critical operational excellence. The role is based in the scenic coastal town of Mossel Bay, Western Cape, ZA . This hybrid position allows for a flexible work-life integration, supported by a dynamic team environment. We are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and innovative workplace culture, offering significant career growth prospects.